Rory McIlroy Praises Newtown Golf Course, Calls Philly A 'Wonderful' Golf City

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — One of the world's top-ranked golfers had good things to say about the Philadelphia area.

Rory McIlroy has been doing practice rounds at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, which is hosting the PGA Championship this week.

McIlroy spoke positively about the course and Philly golf as a whole.

"I've only played four competitive rounds here," McIlroy told reporters. "I don't know the place that well to give you a great answer on what I like about it, but Philadelphia's a wonderful golfing city, a lot of great golf courses, and this is certainly one of them."

A six-time major winner, McIlroy is coming off his second-straight Masters victory. The world's second-ranked golfer said he likes the greens at Aronimink. But tree removal at the course has eliminated strategy off the tee, he says.

Tree removal at golf courses has been a hot topic among professional golfers and the sport's governing bodies. Although Aronimink has been lengthened, the course is one of several Golden-Age country clubs that pros can overpower, according to golf.com.

McIlroy and other pros average 320-plus yards off the tee. With fewer trees posing as hazards, McIlroy says he and others have less to keep in mind when he tees off.

"I think in this day and age, I’m not sure if it’s going to test all aspects of your bag," McIlroy said. "Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent. It’s basically bash driver down there and then figure it out from there, which I think is a lot of these newly renovated (courses)."

PGA Championship practice rounds began Monday at Aronimink Golf Club. The championship runs from Thursday through Sunday.